Water Quantity
Southwest Alaska Network. 2020. Water Quantity. Southwest Alaska Network
Hydrology and geology are the two principle drivers that dictate the structure and function of all aquatic systems. In the broadest sense, hydrology encompasses the distribution and movement of water and its interactions with the surrounding environment, whether in the ground, on the landscape, or in the atmosphere. Hydrologic parameters, such as stage and discharge, are useful for understanding patterns observed in aquatic systems. Stage refers to the vertical movement of water and is measured as the height of the water’s surface relative to a chosen reference point. Discharge refers to the longitudinal movement of water and is measured as the volume of water that moves past a given point over a unit of time. These two parameters broadly pertain to water quantity and they affect various physical, chemical, and biological processes from nutrient loading to the timing and success of fish spawning.
- Type
- Resource Brief
- Authors
- Southwest Alaska Network
- Date of Issue
- 2020-03
- Publisher
- Southwest Alaska Network
- Units
- KATM , LACL , SWAN
- Keywords
- hydrology, stage, surface flow, water volume
- Subjects
- Ecological Framework: Water | Hydrology | Surface Water Dynamics